Keene and Stetson-Lee win SCOTT Enduro Cup presented by Vittoria - Sun Valley

Jun 28, 2015 at 22:12
by Enduro Cup  
 L to R Kyle Warner Craig Harvey Curtis Keene Mitch Ropelato Burt Gillespie Photographer Sean Ryan
Photographer: Sean Ryan

The second stop of the SCOTT Enduro Cup presented by Vittoria featured more than 200 competitors from across the country in the two-day competition, which was the first bike race to be held on Sun Valley's backcountry trails. A North American Enduro Tour stop, this race is one of the longest enduros in North America covering 17.2 miles of downhill timed stages with 7,200 descending vertical feet across backcountry singletrack and the world-class trails of Bald Mountain in the heart of the Sawtooth National Forest. The fastest combined times for men were claimed by Curtis Keene (45:55) and and Teal Stetson-Lee (53:49) for the women.

Photographer Sean Ryan
Photographer: Sean Ryan

New this year, day one of the Enduro Cup was the first bike race allowed on the area's backcountry singletrack, and day two featured legendary trails of Bald Mountain. The course combined ridgelines, stream crossings and high-mountain alpine trails. The course demanded riders have both fitness and focus to rip full-throttle on the descents. A combined time of the five timed stages determined the overall champions.

Curtis Keene Photographer Sean Ryan
Photographer: Sean Ryan

Red Bull's Curtis Keene executed the steep sections of the course with impeccable downhill technique to win the Open Men's division with a combined time of 45:55. Craig Harvey earned second place (46:1Cool with Mitch Ropelato (46:27) and Kyle Warner (46:39) hot on his heels. Second through seventh place riders all finished within one minute of the other.

"Everything was well organized," said Curtis Keene, "The backcountry trails were really raw with no berms, awesome rock and when you get to the top, you've got a 360 degree view of the mountains below."

 L to R Emily Parker Allison Kinsler Teal Stetson-Lee Ileana Anderson Syd Schulz Photographer Sean Ryan
Photographer: Sean Ryan

Next, in the Open Women's category, SCOTT Sports athlete Teal Stetson-Lee (53:49), completely dominated the field. Stetson-Lee was excited to add this first place finish to her Enduro Cup season after placing second at the Moab stop in May. Alison Kinsler (58:03) maintained a consistently fast pace to step up into second place. Close behind was Ileana Anderson with a time of 58:50.

Teal Stetson-Lee Photographer Sean Ryan
Photographer: Sean Ryan

"I felt completely dialed in on my stages," said Stetson-Lee, "I think adding the backcountry trails was an awesome call. It was good to have variety with the expansive trails out in the mountains and getting exposure to the resort's singletrack that is really well built."

Open Men:
1. Curtis Keene (45:55)
2. Craig Harvey (46:18 )
3. Mitch Ropelato (46:27)
4. Kyle Warner (46:39)
5. Bart Gillespie (46:40)

Open Women:
1.Teal Stetson-Lee (53:49)
2. Alison Kinsler (58:03)
3. Ileana Anderson (58:50)
4. Syd Schulz (1:00:44)
5. Emily Parker (1:03:17)

FULL RESULTS HERE

Scott Enduro Cup

Photographer Sean Ryan
Photographer: Sean Ryan

Next, the action shifted to the expert, amateur and junior divisions. Winners of those categories were awarded SCOTT Handlebars and Toolkits, Vittoria Tires, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. beer and trophies made by Biondi Handcrafted in Idaho. Podium finishers ranged from first time racers to Enduro Cup veterans. Spectators and athletes viewed live timing results throughout the race on ItsYourRace.com and the ItsYourRace App. The real time results were made possible by the official media and timing sponsor, COX Communications. A complete list of results is posted online at endurocupmtb.com.

The Open category podium winners received $2,500 total in prize money divided evenly between men and women. The top placing riders in the Amateur categories received gear from sponsors. Riders and spectators also had the chance to enter daily raffles which raised over $1,000 for the Wood River Bike Coalition. Raffle prizes were provided by SCOTT Sports, Vittoria Tires, Subaru of Twin Falls, Niner Bikes, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, SRAM, Club Ride and Biondi.

Stan Jorgenson Photographer Sean Ryan
Photographer: Sean Ryan

The final race stop will take place at Canyons Resort in Park City, UT, on Aug.15. Registration is still open for the next event at endurocupmtb.com.


MENTIONS: @SCOTT-Sports



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15 Comments
  • 8 0
 Wow, Keene 1st?! Perhaps finally hitting his stride.
  • 5 1
 keep in mind the competition was not nearly as strong as it would be in a world series. None the less I hope Keene this gives him the mindset that he does have the skills and strength to compete with the best.
  • 6 3
 I think finances dictate who shows up to the ews not always skills. To say this field isn't strong is way off the mark.
  • 2 0
 Riding the new Stumpjumper
  • 6 1
 the American Dream laying the smack down !
  • 5 0
 Keene's podium style is awesome!
  • 3 0
 WARNER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 4 0
 Harvey!!!!!!!!!
  • 2 0
 Teal Stetson-Lee laid the wood to the her competitors. Damn.
  • 1 0
 damn, even with a hard fall Ileana still taking 3rd! what a beast.
  • 3 1
 I'm Keene on this....
  • 3 2
 Ropelato will soon Trump Keen!
  • 1 0
 Merican dream in Merica.
  • 1 0
 go Kyle!







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